Need Help 686 6 or 7 Round?
- Thread starter js_nj
- Start date
To my knowledge, there are three kinds of 686, all of which are .357. So, in answer to your question, the 6 round one is just as powerful. I'm looking at the Smith and Wesson catalogue here, and it seems as the the 7 round is actually lighter than the 6 rounds. The one with 7 rounds is called the 686 Plus and I should think that this would be the wiser purchase.
I certainly hope you are considering a used 686.
I have shot one a fair amount and really like it. Mine is an early 6 shooter. Interesting question re strength of the 6 shooter vs the 7 shooter. More chamber wall tween holes with the 6 but the latch groove is tween holes with the 7. Might be a push.
I have admired and enjoyed many S&W revolvers since the 40s but will not buy a new one. I will not support a British company that will not support the American gun owner. Lots of excellant ex police 4" 686s sellin for 230 to 250 in our area.
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Sam I am, grn egs n packin
Nikita Khrushchev predicted confidently in a speech in Bucharest, Rumania on June 19, 1962 that: " The United States will eventually fly the Communist Red Flag...the American people will hoist it themselves."
I have shot one a fair amount and really like it. Mine is an early 6 shooter. Interesting question re strength of the 6 shooter vs the 7 shooter. More chamber wall tween holes with the 6 but the latch groove is tween holes with the 7. Might be a push.
I have admired and enjoyed many S&W revolvers since the 40s but will not buy a new one. I will not support a British company that will not support the American gun owner. Lots of excellant ex police 4" 686s sellin for 230 to 250 in our area.
------------------
Sam I am, grn egs n packin
Nikita Khrushchev predicted confidently in a speech in Bucharest, Rumania on June 19, 1962 that: " The United States will eventually fly the Communist Red Flag...the American people will hoist it themselves."
Guy B. Meredith
New member
What use do you intend for the 686? If IDPA competition you will need a 6 shot 4" barrel. Otherwise, I'd go for the 7-shot, which I have. Next have it converted for moonclips and the chambers chamfered as you can then use either moonclips or speedloader. For IDPA the moonclips are out and for the 7-shot there are currently no good speedloaders for under $25.
C.R.Sam,
Saying that S&W does not support shooters is highly inaccurate. You may not agree with their politicial/economic choices, but they are a MAJOR and LAVISH supporter of revolver competitors.
I was an entrant in the 9th annual S&W International Revolver Championship in Morro Bay where, despite their current problems, they were major sponsers along with Hogue Grips. The prize table contained FORTY (40) S&W guns and FIVE (5) more were given as prizes in raffles and for things like bringing in the most new members this year (honor went to an Aussie who started up an Australian chapter). These prizes included Performance Center models with special serial numbers commemorating the IRC.
Last year I won a PC 627 V-Comp with one of these serial numbers in one of the raffles.
S&W also sponsers regional matches of ICORE.
[This message has been edited by Guy B. Meredith (edited July 22, 2000).]
C.R.Sam,
Saying that S&W does not support shooters is highly inaccurate. You may not agree with their politicial/economic choices, but they are a MAJOR and LAVISH supporter of revolver competitors.
I was an entrant in the 9th annual S&W International Revolver Championship in Morro Bay where, despite their current problems, they were major sponsers along with Hogue Grips. The prize table contained FORTY (40) S&W guns and FIVE (5) more were given as prizes in raffles and for things like bringing in the most new members this year (honor went to an Aussie who started up an Australian chapter). These prizes included Performance Center models with special serial numbers commemorating the IRC.
Last year I won a PC 627 V-Comp with one of these serial numbers in one of the raffles.
S&W also sponsers regional matches of ICORE.
[This message has been edited by Guy B. Meredith (edited July 22, 2000).]
Sling Shot
New member
Sorry, can not comment on the 686 6 or 7 shot topic, but I could not resist the other comments. GBM: You ever had a blackeye or that butt whooped? I never forget. What S&W does now or in the past will never change the fact that they sold the American handgunning public out to a draft dodging, should have been impeached president, and in most circles known as Slick Willy. And in the previous statement, most gun owners will never forgive or forget the underhanded deed that S&W has bestowed upon us. Was this a economic or poltical decision? It was totally economical in S&W view point with out regard of any rights of the American handgunning public. What do you expect from a bunch of blokes? Whoop my butt and then want to be my buddy. Forget it.
Sling Shot
[This message has been edited by Sling Shot (edited July 22, 2000).]
Sling Shot
[This message has been edited by Sling Shot (edited July 22, 2000).]
cuerno de chivo
Moderator
7 rounds is actually supposed to be 'stronger' because of locking up in between chambers. The 6 shooters are supposed to be able to get better trigger jobs, same with hammer mounted firing pins vs. frame mounted.
Guy...I think that it is nice that S&W sponsors matches, offers contingincy awards, raffle items etc. Those things come out of the advertising and promotional budget and are done for the good of S&W.
The agreement between S&W and our government was a violation of the trust of their customers, dealers and distributors.
I have used their products since the 40s. For fun, in matches and to protect my body. I think their products had no peer among the off the shelf obtainable firearms. As a dealer I proudly sold their products as I knew my customers would be pleased.
Any shooter that I have sponsored with equipment that I carried or match that I funded was for the benefit of my company. The funding came from the advertising budget and really didn't reflect much support of shooters in general
Sam,...follow me, I know a shortcut.
The agreement between S&W and our government was a violation of the trust of their customers, dealers and distributors.
I have used their products since the 40s. For fun, in matches and to protect my body. I think their products had no peer among the off the shelf obtainable firearms. As a dealer I proudly sold their products as I knew my customers would be pleased.
Any shooter that I have sponsored with equipment that I carried or match that I funded was for the benefit of my company. The funding came from the advertising budget and really didn't reflect much support of shooters in general
Sam,...follow me, I know a shortcut.
Guy B. Meredith
New member
One comment before moving on--this is not the proper location for this thread's current subject.
It might be politically less painful if Colt, Dan Wesson, Ruger or Taurus stepped in to provide this level of support to revolver shooters, but Smith and Wesson is the one who IS there.
Of course S&Ws sponsership comes from advertising and of course it is to support their business. The same is usually true of anyone, such as your case. However they did not just support one or two shooters--they anted up a major part of one of the most lavish prize tables you are likely to see this year for the benefit of 149 competitors.
They have set a goal of doubling the size of the event for 2001.
Again, their politics are painful, but are not intended to destroy or abandon civilian shooters.
It might be politically less painful if Colt, Dan Wesson, Ruger or Taurus stepped in to provide this level of support to revolver shooters, but Smith and Wesson is the one who IS there.
Of course S&Ws sponsership comes from advertising and of course it is to support their business. The same is usually true of anyone, such as your case. However they did not just support one or two shooters--they anted up a major part of one of the most lavish prize tables you are likely to see this year for the benefit of 149 competitors.
They have set a goal of doubling the size of the event for 2001.
Again, their politics are painful, but are not intended to destroy or abandon civilian shooters.
Guy is absolutely correct. This is not the thread or place for a discussion of S&W's policies. Those should be in General or Legal & Political. I don't think a thread of that nature has been started for at least 15 to 20 minutes, so maybe it's time for another one - over there.
It is the place for a thorough discussion of js_nj's question concerning which 686 is the better buy.
It is the place for a thorough discussion of js_nj's question concerning which 686 is the better buy.
Guy's; I know that I am old, and maybe a
little "old fashioned"; but when one speaks
of a six-shooter, I expect to see a revolver
capable of chambering ONLY six rounds of
ammunition.
Therefore, I must rely
on "wheelguns" that chamber that quanity
of ammo; all else is for the birds!!!
Regards,
Ala Dan, Life Member N.R.A.
Elmer Keith never fired a shot from a
wheelgun that was chambered for 7 rounds
of ammunition!!!
little "old fashioned"; but when one speaks
of a six-shooter, I expect to see a revolver
capable of chambering ONLY six rounds of
ammunition.
Therefore, I must relyon "wheelguns" that chamber that quanity
of ammo; all else is for the birds!!!
Regards,
Ala Dan, Life Member N.R.A.
Elmer Keith never fired a shot from a
wheelgun that was chambered for 7 rounds
of ammunition!!!
VictorLouis
New member
If a stainless, 7-shot L-frame were around back then, Elmer & Bill Jordan would've been in handgunner heaven! 
[This message has been edited by VictorLouis (edited July 24, 2000).]
[This message has been edited by VictorLouis (edited July 24, 2000).]